Design IdeasSpartan Juniper is the source of the lovely spiraled topiary columns so popular in Mediterranean inspired gardens. A welcome alternative to the tall cypress of Italy, this column of green foliage can be pruned into a variety of topiary forms. Grow them in high quality, heavyweight concrete or ceramic containers for proper scale and stability. Ideal plant for small scale screening and windbreaks.

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Requires less water when established. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Prune as needed to shape.Pruning time: summer.

J. chinensis is native to northeast Asia, including China, Mongolia, Japan, Korea and parts of Russia. The Chinese have grown the species for centuries and produced a number of their own garden cultivars before the plant was "discovered" by the west. The genus Juniperus was classified in 1767, but taxonomic confusion resulted with the introduction of other forms from China that are technically the same species but more accurately subspecies and cultivars. Further cross breeding resulted in a huge array of sizes, forms and colors. The leaves of this juniper are toxic but have been used over the years in certain home remedy ointments. Foliage is repellent to lice, and oils are extracted from the plant and used in traditional insecticides.

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There are very few rules in gardening, but perhaps the most important one is to work within your zone. Choosing plants that grow and thrive in your particular climate is the very first step toward having a beautiful garden.Learn More >

Plants in the spotlight

Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone

MyZone

Zip Code:

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Zones

There are very few rules in gardening, but perhaps the most important one is to work within your zone. Choosing plants that grow and thrive in your particular climate is the very first step toward having a beautiful garden.Learn More >